Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a ceasefire agreement with Hamas is not yet finalized, as negotiators work on final details. The statement follows an announcement by the United States and Qatar about a potential deal to pause the 15-month Gaza war and facilitate the release of hostages.

Celebrations erupted in Gaza after the announcement, with residents expressing relief. The war has caused over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, including women and children, according to Gaza health authorities. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250, with around 100 hostages still held.

The proposed ceasefire agreement includes three phases:

Phase One: A six-week ceasefire begins, accompanied by Israeli troop withdrawals from densely populated areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. Thirty-three hostages—women, the elderly, and injured individuals—are expected to be released. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will also be freed. Humanitarian aid to Gaza is set to increase significantly.

Phase Two: Negotiations for this phase start on Day 16. It focuses on releasing remaining hostages, including soldiers, in exchange for further Israeli withdrawals. However, Israel insists on eliminating Hamas' capabilities before a full withdrawal, while Hamas demands troop removal before releasing the last hostages.

Phase Three: This phase involves returning the bodies of deceased hostages and initiating large-scale reconstruction of Gaza, a region devastated by the conflict.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s response would depend on finalizing all aspects of the agreement. Mediators remain engaged in bridging differences to secure a path to peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a ceasefire agreement with Hamas is not yet finalized, as negotiators work on final details. The statement follows an announcement by the United States and Qatar about a potential deal to pause the 15-month Gaza war and facilitate the release of hostages.

Celebrations erupted in Gaza after the announcement, with residents expressing relief. The war has caused over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, including women and children, according to Gaza health authorities. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250, with around 100 hostages still held.

The proposed ceasefire agreement includes three phases:

Phase One: A six-week ceasefire begins, accompanied by Israeli troop withdrawals from densely populated areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. Thirty-three hostages—women, the elderly, and injured individuals—are expected to be released. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will also be freed. Humanitarian aid to Gaza is set to increase significantly.

Phase Two: Negotiations for this phase start on Day 16. It focuses on releasing remaining hostages, including soldiers, in exchange for further Israeli withdrawals. However, Israel insists on eliminating Hamas' capabilities before a full withdrawal, while Hamas demands troop removal before releasing the last hostages.

Phase Three: This phase involves returning the bodies of deceased hostages and initiating large-scale reconstruction of Gaza, a region devastated by the conflict.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s response would depend on finalizing all aspects of the agreement. Mediators remain engaged in bridging differences to secure a path to peace.